Dr. Vivek Sharma

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Vivek Sharma is an Adjunct Professor of Data Sciences at the University of Southern California. He specializes in driving growth through Artificial Intelligence (AI), data science, and digital transformation. Vivek is a Senior Advisor at Advent, a global private equity firm managing $90 billion in assets, providing counsel to the boards of notable organizations such as Kaiser Permanente and JetBlue Airways. As co-founder and CEO of InStride, an EdTech company launched in 2019, he led the company to profitability and partnered with major corporations to alleviate a total of $630 million in potential student debt for employees. With a strong background in digital experience, Vivek previously served as Senior Vice President at The Walt Disney Company, overseeing a $10 billion online business. His early career included leadership roles at Yahoo and McKinsey & Company. Vivek holds a degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, and an MBA from INSEAD in France.

Research Interests

Experience

Adjunct Professor

— Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Teaching Data Sciences to graduate students, focusing on digital transformation and AI.

CEO & Co-founder

— Present

InStride • Los Angeles, CA

Led an EdTech company specializing in partnerships with corporations to provide educational opportunities.

Senior Vice President

— Present

The Walt Disney Company • Burbank, CA

Oversaw $10 billion in online business, improving digital guest experiences across Disney's global parks.

General Manager

— Present

Yahoo •

Managed Yahoo Mail & Messenger.

Vice President

— Present

Yahoo •

Led search initiatives for Yahoo.

Associate Partner

— Present

McKinsey & Company •

Provided consultancy services and strategic advice to leading organizations.

Courses

DSO-531 Digital Foundations

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.